Photo credit: Delhi Daredevils/Facebook

In a sudden turn of events, Delhi Daredevils’ Gautam Gambhir announced his decision to step down from the captaincy mantle in this year’s Indian Premier League campaign. As per his recommendation, 23-year-old Shreyas Iyer has been appointed to act as his successor.

.@GautamGambhir steps down as captain of DD.

Shreyas Iyer will be taking over the reigns as captain!

— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) April 25, 2018

Iyer is now handed with the responsibility of salvaging Daredevils' season, and with eight more games still in hand, it is not out of the question to think of a turnaround and getting a Playoffs spot. He also had a captaincy stint in the first edition of T20 Mumbai recently, where he showcased his leadership skills by leading from the front with the bat and remaining proactive on the field.

Iyer’s NaMo Bandra Blasters finished as second runners-up, and the right-handed batsman had a good time with the bat, top-scoring with 363 runs while opening the batting in T20 Mumbai.

Had seen Shreyas Iyer captain his side well in T20 Mumbai. Good chance for him to replicate it on the big stage now for @DelhiDaredevils.#IPL2018

— Umang Mohnot (@umangmohnot) April 25, 2018

But while Iyer led his side well in T20 Mumbai, assuming the same role for an IPL side which is not in the best of runs is a different ball game altogether. But he will take solace in the fact that he has hit some good form with two half centuries in his last two IPL matches. Other players in the team have done well on an individual basis, but it will now be up to Iyer to make everything work well at once like clockwork.

It would be really interesting to see how Shreyas Iyer would handle his captaincy. #Delhi

— Farhin (@farhin_18) April 25, 2018

“I'm really loving the responsibility they've put upon me and also the faith they've shown upon me. I love facing challenges and it's a great opportunity for me to prove myself and get the team to the highest level possible,” said Iyer who is relishing the new task at hand.

If Shreyas Iyer’s T20 Mumbai record is anything to go by, he should take to this new challenge like a fish takes to water.